Saturday, December 2nd - The kids and I decorated the house for Christmas. I was wondering if they had outgrown this little nativity set. But, when I asked if we should get it out, Kellen enthusiastically said, "Yes!" And, he set it up like this all on his own. Sweet!
The next day was Kellen's birthday and the kids' recital. Then we had at least one event every night that week! Monday - All City Jazz. Tuesday - Staff Meeting for me. Wednesday - Jenna's Bible Study. Thursday - Nephew's Band Concert and then Kevin's Praise Team practice. Friday - All City Jazz. Saturday - All City Jazz (all day, too). Sunday - Kevin Praise Team. Our first night at home all together in December was December 11th! Ugh! We did manage to eat together most of those nights and to do a little Advent devotional. But, it was all too much as we're used to only having zero to one evening activity each week.
Saturday, December 9th - After a morning physical therapy appointment for me, we joined Papa and the cousins for lunch and some skating. Then, I took our nephew to his band practice and Kellen to a birthday party at 2:00pm. After picking up both boys at 4:00, we went back to Papa's house to decorate their tree and have dinner with Kevin (before he went back to All City Jazz for the evening).
Tuesday, December 12th - Kevin's band concert. He had each section play chamber music. I liked how the clarinets decorated their instruments the same way. It was a great concert! The "Minor Alterations" piece was a hit! A medley of popular Christmas songs, but all in minor keys - a new favorite for me!
Wednesday, December 13th - We took the kids for a picture with Santa. I love that Bass Pro always gives a free picture! Jenna asked for a Soggy Doggie game and Kellen asked for a hamster and a laptop.
Friday, December 15th - Last day of school for the kids = Christmas parties!! Kellen was really excited to get a bingo!
Pin the Nose on Rudolph was really fun!
5th grade had a fun craft and yummy snacks
They both said that they think that Christmas break will be too long - they love school so much!!
Saturday, December 16th - Kellen and I wanted to go to a free showing of The Polar Express at Focus on the Family. But, Jenna and Kevin didn't want to go. So, they went to conquer the Manitou Incline instead.
Approximately 2,744 steps to the top!
Jenna liked how people had decorated some of the evergreens for Christmas.
View from the top
They made it!!
Sunday, December 17 - Papa and Mima kept the kids for us after church so we could finish up Christmas shopping. This Yeti is actually for sale at our local Kohls - in case you're in need of a giant yeti! Then at 6:30pm, we went to Hacienda Colorado for a Christmas dinner with my co-workers.
The kids spent the night with Papa and Mima Monday night, so I could work Tuesday. Then after work, I rushed home to get ready to pick Jenna up for her Bible Study service night from 6pm - 7pm. Then back to Papa and Mima's to spend the night again. Wednesday, I went to physical therapy, then picked the cousins and Papa up for one last trip to the North Pole this season.
Kellen asked me to try the Himalaya ride with him while the bigger kids rode the bigger rides. It actually wasn't too bad! Then, we went on the slide, explored some stores, and found the bigger kids again.
Probably Grant and Jenna's last time to ride this ride. I think they'll be too tall in May when the North Pole opens again.
Thursday, December 21st - Jenna had spent the night with Bella. So, for a special treat for Kellen (and I), we went with friends to get free Chick-fil-A breakfast. Then we came back and started making cinnamon rolls for Christmas Day. While the dough was rising, we went to get some groceries. Back home, to finish the cinnamon rolls. We were happy to hear a good report from Mima's surgery! And then we had a few hours for Kellen to craft and me to have a little quiet time. When Jenna got home from Bella's and Kevin got home from work, we all pitched in together to clean the house. It's so great to have a girl who can clean her bathroom and the half bath, and a boy who can dust, now! Cinnamon rolls - check! House clean - check! Almost ready to relax and enjoy Christmas!
Friday, December 22nd - The kids and I went over to Papa and Mima's house to visit Mima and help chop things up for our family fondue Christmas meal on the 23rd. I started feeling achy around 11:00 and got the kids and I home as soon as I could. Once home, I checked my temperature - 102. I went straight to bed and let the kids fend for themselves until Kevin got home about an hour later. Then I had him drive me to the doctor. Flu! So thankful for Tamiflu! And so thankful that all the gifts were wrapped and the cinnamon rolls made for Christmas morning! I was feeling better mid-day the next day. But, I still had to miss Whitelaw Christmas.
